Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Raisins, sunflower seeds, and a tangy, slightly sweetened mayonnaise dressing make this broccoli salad a delicious dish for any season or occasion. Frozen (thawed) peas make this version a little different from the classic broccoli salad. They add extra texture and flavor, but you may leave them out or use a pea and carrot combination instead. Tailor the salad to suit your tastes and make it your go-to broccoli salad.
Walnuts or toasted pecans make a nice addition to the salad; replace the sunflower seeds with them if you like. Dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries used instead of raisins will add a fruity, tart flavor with a pleasant sweetness.
For best flavor, make the salad a few hours in advance; refrigerate it to chill thoroughly before serving. Store leftover broccoli salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup of frozen peas (thawed)
- For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white vinegar)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
Steps to Make It
-
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, raisins, sunflower seeds, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, and thawed frozen peas; toss to combine.
-
In a separate bowl or large cup, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
-
Add the dressing to the salad and toss to mix well; chill thoroughly before serving.
Tip
- To make a day in advance, combine the vegetables and bacon in the serving bowl. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. About an hour before serving time, toss the salad with the dressing.
Recipe Variations
- Replace the sunflower seeds with pine nuts, walnuts, toasted chopped pecans, or slivered almonds. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring, just until they are lightly browned and aromatic.
- For extra color and crunch, add 1/4 cup of shredded carrot or chopped fresh celery to the salad.
- To lighten the salad a bit, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use less bacon.
- Replace the sugar with a drop or two of a sugar-free sweetener such as liquid sucralose or stevia.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 8 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 333 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 27g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium 243mg | 11% |
| Total Carbohydrate 21g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 20% |
| Protein 6g | |
| Calcium 54mg | 4% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
